Spring on The Farm
While every season has its own busyness spring brings one of waiting, watching and then preparing. Waiting for the weather to improve and the grass to grow enough to start grazing. Watching and monitoring weather forecasts, grass growth rates, cow and calf health. Preparing the farm for the summer, sometimes frantically depending on how long the spring weather has delayed progress on spring projects.
Just some of the things happening on the farm this spring are:
Spring brings calving season, which means checking cows, watching for new calves and making sure both cows and calves are healthy and doing well. Seeing calves out in the pasture is always one of the clearest signs that spring has arrived on the farm.
Once the snow disappeared there are fences to repair, supplies to haul, and shelters to prepare for the chickens and pigs before they head back out onto pasture and fresh grass for the season. This year we had some very strong winter winds that damaged some of our chicken and turkey shelters so we have a bit of extra work to complete before the chickens and hens can go outside. The movable pig shelters do not need many repairs this year as they faired better in the winds.
We have been checking pastures, watching how the fields are recovering after winter and preparing for the start of grazing season. We are in need of rain and are glad to see this weekends weather forecast that calls for rain. Grass needs spring rains to thrive and grow early in the spring and we have not had much rain so far this year.
We have been preparing and repairing our outdoor water system. The water for our summer cattle and outdoor poultry comes from one of two large and deep dugouts on our land. Miles of pipe run along the fence lines to get the water from the pump at the dugout to the cattle and the chickens. Every year starting up, testing the water system, and then fixing new leaks takes a lot of time.
We are also preparing for another outdoor market season. Along with the work happening on the farm, we are busy organizing freezers, tents, signs, tables and all the little details needed for our farmers market stalls. The outdoor season began yesterday May 13 at the Southwest Edmonton Farmers' Market and we are also looking forward to returning to the St. Albert Farmers' Market starting June 6.
Spring can feel hectic at times, especially after a long winter, but it is also one of the most rewarding seasons on the farm. After months of snow and cold weather, there is something exciting about seeing the grass begin to grow again, working outside in the warmth, preparing for pasture season and getting ready to reconnect with customers at the outdoor markets for another summer.
Your Farmers
Ron and Sheila Hamilton
- Sunworks Farm
